Lucky Starting Dog Receives Casino Chip

... Dennis Bath drew the starting number from a red Purina bag. The lucky (thinking positive energy) dog is #39, Gary Unger with Rough.

Gary received a black chip from River Walk Casino for this dubious distinction. Maybe he'll get lucky twice!

And if you look in this space later, you'll find Gary munching down on some popcorn to ease his frayed nerves. :)

Directions for the Combined First and Second Test:

Leaving the HQ, go east on I-20 to Exit 11, which is the Bovina (might not be spelled right, but I'll check my atlas when I come back in from the cocktail party--just giving you info in the meantime) exit. This is about six miles down the interstate. Go right off the exit and in 300 yards turn right again. From there follow the well-marked route which will be signed.

Distance from HQ is estimated at about fifteen minutes. The test will be just inside the gates.

A few more thoughts--Here's One: Next year's judges...

... for the 2011 National Open, which will be held in Oakdale, California, will be:

John Goettl
Ed Haskins
Lee Jolley

Threatening weather...

... looms as contestants and retriever enthusiasts filter back from the afternoon's meetings to prepare for the evening cocktail party. It kicks off at 6 p.m. and that's a good thing, as it will be an early morning for many folks with the first test dog scheduled to run at 6:40 a.m. and the first running dog slated for 7 a.m.

See the 2010 NRC Report for updates on the meetings, and I'll be back here a bit later...

Migration uphill...

The Quality Inn (HQ) is accessed "through the parking lot and down the hill" from the Hampton Inn, and it is the Hampton Inn (back up the hill) where Merchandise and Packets are being staged. Many folks began heading that way at 9:00 a.m. for just those reasons. :)

Five a.m. was bustling...

... in the Headquarters (Quality Inn) lobby as many early risers took advantage of the well-stocked breakfast area. I saw several folks in the dining and lobby area including Charlie Hays, Dave Smith, Gary Unger, John Russell, and Mark Smith while others soon showed up as well. Joe Pilar and Thom Felinski had just pulled into Vicksburg to check in and Joe was his jovial self as he called over to me:... "Lamb Chop!"

Many folks pulled out soon thereafter for a last training effort before today's meetings. Danny Farmer was out in the back parking lot trying to maneuver his rig around numerous vehicles.